What is it like to work on the Great Lakes? Find out at the Maritime Career Day this Thursday, May 16

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to spend your days working on the Great Lakes, you’ll be able to find out this Thursday, May 16 at the annual Maritime Career Day in downtown Muskegon.

The event, which is free and open to all area students and adults seriously considering a career change, will be held during two sessions at the Mart Dock (560 Mart St.). The first session will begin at 10:30am and the second session begins at 12:00pm. Reservations are required as space is limited. To reserve a place at Maritime Career Day, email kmcdermott@sandproductscorp.com or call (231)722-6691.

Created by Ashon Marine, The Mart Dock, Port City Marine Services, the city of Muskegon, and Muskegon County, the event will showcase opportunities in the maritime field.

Participants will be able to explore the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s “State of Michigan” ship, which will be bringing about 12 instructors and 55 students cadets who will provide first-hand stories about crew life on the Great Lakes. Previously a Navy submarine surveillance vessel that was designed to tow highly sensitive sonar arrays to track Soviet submarines during the 1980s, the State of Michigan is now utilized as a floating classroom.

Attendees will have the chance to speak with other maritime professionals as well, including Muskegon native Captain Ed Hogan, the vice president of Port City Marine Services in Muskegon. Participants too will be invited on a special tour of the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, which is housed on a World War II-era warship.

“We hope to introduce area students to what is involved in a maritime career,” Mart Dock President Max McKee said in a press release. “We are ecstatic that the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s State of Michigan will be part of the learning experience. This is the first time the training ship will dock in Muskegon.”

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy was formed to prepare deck and engineering officers for highly skilled positions aboard ship in addition to teaching the essential business skills needed to be successful in the world of commercial shipping. The Academy prepares students to become merchant marine officers and business professionals in the global marketplace.

The Academy notes that salaries for maritime careers–which range from ship navigation and piloting to management of a ship’s engine and mechanical operations–begin around $60,000 annually with a Bachelor’s degree.